[Therapy of duodenal ulcer with H2-blockers. 2 x 150 mg ranitidine versus 2 x 400 mg cimetidine].

60 out-patients with acute duodenal ulcers were treated in an open randomized trial with 2 x 150 mg ranitidine or 2 x 400 mg cimetidine, respectively. At endoscopy after 12 and 24 days there was evidence of complete healing in 63% and 93% in the ranitidine- and 57% and 83% in the cimetidine-treated group. Although the symptoms in both groups improved during treatment with H2-blockers, there was a more rapid relief in pain in the ranitidine-group (p less than 0.01). The more favorable results with ranitidine, 150 mg twice daily, warrant further clinical evaluation.